3 Lessons from the Spitfire

Given this is Farnborough Air Show week, I thought it would be fitting to remember a key contributor to the victory for the Battle for Britain.

During the Battle of Britain in World War II, a small fighter aircraft known as the Spitfire is given the credit for turning the tide of the war and leading to the eventual defeat of the Nazis.

Here are 3 Lessons we can learn from the Spitfire:

1. Unique Design

The Spitfire had a unique design and went through a series of changes that made it more and more capable in terms of speed and maneuverability.

In today's hypercompetitive market, it's not only good - but a necessity - to stand out from your Competition.

If you are honest with yourself - what is unique about your Product, your Service? Your Organization? Your Value Proposition?

Or are you just one of many options - lost in a sea of grey clouds?

2. Early Warning of Attack

An element of the Spitfire's success was the utilization of Radar and Spotters which identified the incoming enemy bombers - pointing out their size, direction and timing. The various wings of Spitfires had insight into which fighter groups to employ and angle of attack to gain the advantage.

That early warning system may be lacking in your business.

The pace of change, and level of volatility and uncertainty has increased dramatically over time, yet many companies intelligence network hasn't kept up.

Are you vulnerable to the myriad of factors that can collectively erode your position? Have you kept up - or do you know - you've lost track?

3. Punched Above Its Weight

The term Spitfire also became synonymous with being a tough and scrappy person, one who would be tough to beat and give a good fight no matter the size of the opponent. Along with the P51 Mustang, it has always been one of my favorite aircraft. Both were fighters - and in a dog fight with the enemy - would kick their backside...

David quickly defeated Goliath, a professional soldier twice his size. The Spitfire was typically outnumbered by a wide margin in each raid, but the tactics they employed played to their strengths.

You may feel like the enemy has more power and the odds of success are pretty low. But history shows, it's not the size of the dog, but its the strategy - and the size of the fight in the dog - that counts.

Size is overrated. Strategy, Maneuverability or Agility and Speed of Attack will overcome Size anytime.

Has your Strategy grown out-of-date and weak - needs an update - to reflect the changing Market and Competition? Are you becoming vulnerable to attack?

Last Thought

So today, step into your Spitfire, strap up and go out to meet the enemy. Make sure your offering is unique, you clearly understand the environment and have the right strategy needed to win.

And, oh by the way, BLAST THE SHIT OUT OF YOUR COMPETITORS!!!

No matter where you are, or what is holding you back, you will never lose - if you never give up. Never, never give up.

See you above the clouds.

I am going out to knock off some krauts in my Spitfire...and do a few loop de loops...

To your success.

What do you think?

Use the comment area below and share your experience or advice on this topic.

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